therishikesh.com

Hemkunt Sahib finds mention in Bachitra Natak (विचित्र नाटक) , an autobiography of Guru Gobind Singh. But the place has been considered to be Lokpal, a place supposed to be existing from the times of Ramayana. It is said that Lokpal was the place where Sri Lakshman sat on meditation. Lokpal has been associated with Lakshman, for being his favorite place. There are many folklores that go with Lakshman and his attachment with this place. The place has also been associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, for Gobind Singhji also talked about Ramayana and his own association with the place in his earlier incarnations. He said that it was ordered by lord to him, about finding the place where he meditated as Dusht-Daman (दुष्ट दमन ) sage. Gobind Singh ji also wrote about his last live's experiences here.

The small town of Hemkunt Sahib has a star shaped Gurudwara, dedicated to Guru Gobind Singhji, the last guru of Sikhs and his saintly teachings. The place was not established as a pilgrimage centre till 20_th century, as it was a hidden from people's reach. The autobiography of Gobind Singhji has mentions of Hemkunt Sahib, but the chapter was not believed much, as there was no sign of such place. Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, a nineteenth century Nirmala scholar, was the first Sikh to trace the geographical location of Hemkunt. Later, renowned Sikh scholar, Bhai Vir Singh was instrumental in developing Hemkunt after it had been, discovered in search of the Guru's tap asthan.

Guru Gobind Singh, while on his penance here wrote about his earlier incarnations. In Bachitra Natak the great Guru relates his story in the following words-

"I shall now relate my own story, how God sent me into this world. I was busy performing penance on the hills of Hemkunt where seven peaks are prominent. The place is called Sapt Shring where King Pandu had performed Yoga, there I practiced austerity and worshipped the god of death."

There is a small lake near the Gurudwara, called Amrit Sarovar, is considered very holy and its a ritual to bath in the lake. Though the lake remains frozen for almost entire year, it doesn't stops a devout to take a dip in the freezing waters of lake, to pay homage to Gobind Singhji.

Jolly Grant, Dehradun 319 kms.

Rail Head :

• Rishikesh 289 kms.

The last major city is Govindghat, 19 kms. from the Hemkunt Sahib. Upto Govindghat point the road is motorable. After which the trekking starts, giving you the feel of what you will discover at the end.